WASHINGTON -- The Senate next week will take up the first major gun-control bill since it passed the assault weapon ban two decades ago after a solid bipartisan majority Thursday beat back an attempt to block the legislation.

Sixteen Republicans joined 50 Democrats and two independents in a 68-31 vote to end a filibuster by 14 conservatives as some families of Newtown shooting victims watched silently from the Senate gallery.

Two Democrats from conservative states and 29 Republicans voted for the filibuster.

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A Senate Democratic leadership aide said a small group of Republicans were threatening to use procedures to force the Senate to take up to four days on each amendment vote.

"We will use the opportunity to make the case on the merits," said Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), a filibuster leader.

Cruz said he opposes a gun bill that "makes a big splash but doesn't do anything" except "harass" lawful gun owners.

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Its news conference was interrupted by two protesters. Both times, NRA executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre continued as if nothing happened.

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said his side will try to defend gun-safety measures from opponents' "pernicious amendments" while attempting to win passage. "We have a tough fight," Schumer said.

Reid said the first amendment he'll bring up will be the compromise struck Wednesday by Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) to require background checks at gun shows and for online sales, but not private deals.

Reid said he also will bring up an assault weapon ban and a cap on the size of ammunition magazines, though neither is expected to pass.

Schumer said, "With the compromise bill we have, and with a vote we take today, we are turning the page against the NRA's dominance."